Antique Rare Elbow Millefiori Venetian Mosaic Glass Trade Bead – African Trade

This rare antique elbow millefiori Venetian mosaic glass trade bead is a collector's treasure with a rich historical significance. Known for its unique beauty and rarity, this glass bead is an authentic example of Venetian craftsmanship, meticulously crafted in the early 1900s for the African trade. With intricate mosaic patterns and vibrant colors, this bead is both a work of art and a piece of history.

Dimensions:

• Length: 37 mm
• Width: 10 mm

Condition:

• Very good (Lightly chipped at the ends, please refer to photos)

The tradition of millefiori, or "a thousand flowers," involves layering and slicing glass canes to create beautiful floral or geometric designs within the glass. Crafted in Venice, Italy, these beads were highly valued across Africa, particularly in Ghana, where they were used as trade currency and cherished as symbols of wealth and culture. Venetian millefiori beads like this elbow bead are emblematic of the centuries-long exchange between Europe and Africa, connecting artistry and history across continents.

Explore more of TribalGH's beautiful bead collections:

• Current Millefiori Beads Collection
• Current Trade Beads Collection
• Archived Millefiori Beads Collection